Article 146 Committee submits first report on petitions against Chief Justice

President John Dramani Mahama has received the first report of the Article 146 Committee of Inquiry probing petitions seeking the removal of Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo.

The report was presented at a brief ceremony at the Presidency on Monday morning by the Committee’s Chair, Justice Gabriel Pwamang.

Justice Pwamang explained that the panel conducted its proceedings in camera, in line with Article 146(7) and (8), and avoided public commentary despite what he described as “blatant false statements made about members of the committee and our work.” He stressed that in camera proceedings “are not the same as in secret,” noting that limited procedural details could be shared without disclosing substantive matters.

On the first petition, filed by Mr. Daniel Ofori, the committee heard evidence from 13 witnesses called by the petitioner. The Chief Justice, who also testified and was cross-examined, presented 12 witnesses, including experts. In total, the panel received about 10,000 pages of documentary exhibits, with each side represented by four lawyers.

“After critical and dispassionate examination and assessment of all the evidence, including the expert evidence against the provisions of the Constitution and the relevant laws, we have, without fear or favour, arrived at a recommendation on the first petition,” Justice Pwamang stated before handing the sealed recommendation to the President.

He further disclosed that both the second petitioner and the Chief Justice requested an adjournment of the second petition, which the committee granted.

“Accordingly, we shall be reporting on the second and third petitions in due time,” he said.